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1 – 2 of 2Wang Yang, Lin Misheng, Sun Lijun, Tang Hao and Ma Hongwei
The number of cultural centres in South China shows an increasing trend. However, there is still a lack of research of this public building type and its related design strategy…
Abstract
Purpose
The number of cultural centres in South China shows an increasing trend. However, there is still a lack of research of this public building type and its related design strategy. This paper aims to identify general characteristics and presents design principles of cultural centres and thus enriches the theory of compact design strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 66 cases of cultural centres in South China have been investigated. The design patterns of these cultural centres projects are analysed by Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS). The theory of compact design strategies is thus used to emphasize the systemic characteristics of cultural centres.
Findings
Cultural centres mostly have an overall floor area between 20,000-40,000 square metres (m2). Much cultural centres consist of three to four functional components. Different functional blocks are intensively organized in parallel or in series along a horizontal or vertical direction. The combination of multiple functions is divided into four usual composition types. The most common type is the “synthetical integration”. There are a total of four different distribution modes of integrated layout. Each of these modes can express different narrative themes according its needs, and four kinds of narrative themes are summarized.
Practical implications
Appropriate compact design strategies may be applied to improve the quality of public buildings in a region with the problem of land use limitation. Applications of results of this paper may enhance design efficiency or lead to more appropriate works.
Originality/value
Compact design strategies can be a guide for appropriate architectural design. The findings of this research provide regular design patterns for designers and engineers to streamline their design process.
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Yang Wang, Misheng Lin, Ke Xu, Shuyang Zhang and Hongwei Ma
Electrochromic window (ECW) has been gradually applied to building engineering in recent years. However, empirical study of this technology used in green building design is still…
Abstract
Purpose
Electrochromic window (ECW) has been gradually applied to building engineering in recent years. However, empirical study of this technology used in green building design is still lacking. This study aims to verify the lighting and energy-saving performance of ECW under a specific geographical environment.
Design/methodology/approach
The meditation pavilion of Jinwan new materials research institute in Zhuhai is taken for research object. Three kinds of sun-shading techniques, namely, ECW, Low-E window and ordinary glass window, with same specifications are selected as the building facade structure for simulation. Day lighting analysis, sun-shading performance and annual energy consumption are separately simulated in the same environment by the Autodesk Ecotect Analysis software. The energy-saving performance of ECW is obtained by comparisons.
Findings
Result shows that the shading performance of ECW is much better than ordinary window and Low-E window. When ECW is used in the east, west or top lighting interfaces of a building, about 40% of the total solar radiation can be reduced during daytime in summer. Taking the ordinary glass window as a basic reference, ECW can save about 90% of the annual energy consumption of the glass house. ECW can effectively reduce the annual refrigeration energy consumption of buildings in the subtropical region.
Practical implications
Reasonable use of ECW in the subtropical region can effectively reduce the annual energy consumption of buildings.
Originality/value
It is a precedent study to analyze the lighting performance and energy consumption of a glass house with ECW. The energy-saving characteristics and beautiful appearance of ECW shall make it a future green building technology.
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